SBP Introduces New Licensing Framework for Banks and Financial Institutions
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has introduced a consolidated licensing and authorisation handbook to simplify regulatory requirements for banks, fintech companies and other financial institutions. Issued on October 28, 2026, through BPRD Circular No. 03, the handbook covers commercial banks, digital banks, microfinance banks, exchange companies, electronic money institutions, payment service providers and private […]
FBR Expands Digital Surveillance to Textile Spinning Mills, Sets November 15 Deadline
Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue has broadened its electronic production monitoring system to cover a wider range of textile fibres, requiring registered spinning mills to install surveillance cameras and integrate real-time production data with the tax authority’s monitoring network. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced new monitoring requirements for registered textile spinning mills […]
IMF Warns of Rising Economic Risks for Pakistan as Middle East Conflict Fuels Inflation
Pakistan’s economic outlook is facing renewed uncertainty as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East drives up global energy and food prices, raises inflationary pressures and threatens to weaken the country’s external financial position. In its October 2026 Regional Economic Outlook, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned that Pakistan could face growing economic challenges over […]
FBR Launches Online Auction System for Seized Goods, Sets Rs25,000 Minimum Registration Fee
Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced a new electronic auction system for selling seized and confiscated goods, aiming to establish a more transparent and structured process for disposing of such items. Under the revised framework, bidders must pay a minimum one-time registration fee of Rs25,000, while online bidding will remain open for 72 […]
IMF Warns of Rising Inflation and Economic Pressure in Pakistan
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that Pakistan could face rising inflation, higher borrowing costs and a weaker external position due to the ongoing Middle East conflict. In its October 2026 Regional Economic Outlook, the IMF reported that Pakistan’s inflation reached 11.1% in August, driven by rising food and energy prices. The Fund also […]
FBR Introduces Mandatory Digital Monitoring for Steel Manufacturers by December 30, 2026
Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced a new compliance requirement for the steel industry, directing registered manufacturers to install digital production monitoring systems by December 30, 2026. The initiative aims to strengthen oversight of steel production, improve transparency in product movement and reduce the risk of tax evasion. The directive, issued under Sales […]
OpenAI Expands ChatGPT Advertising to Pakistan and 25 Other Countries
OpenAI is expanding its advertising operations to Pakistan and 25 additional countries, marking another major step in the company’s efforts to grow its business and diversify its revenue sources. With this latest expansion, ChatGPT advertising is now available across 89 markets worldwide. The move reflects OpenAI’s growing focus on advertising as a source of income […]
Pakistan’s Exporters Call for Better Trade Deals to Compete with India and Bangladesh
Pakistan’s export sector is urging the government to introduce more favorable trade policies and improve access to international markets as businesses struggle with rising production costs, energy prices and growing competition from regional rivals, particularly India and Bangladesh. During a high-level consultation chaired by Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan at the Ministry of Commerce, […]
Pakistan Considers New Tax Collection Agency as FBR Reform Plans Gain Momentum
Pakistan’s federal government is considering major changes to the country’s tax administration, including the possibility of establishing a new tax collection agency or further restructuring the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). The move comes amid concerns over revenue performance and the limited results of previous reform efforts. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the FBR […]
Pakistan Moves Towards a National Digital Market to Strengthen Agriculture and Support Farmers
Pakistan’s agricultural sector could see significant changes under a new proposal by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) to establish a national agricultural spot market. The proposed initiative aims to create a more organized system for buying and selling agricultural commodities while helping farmers secure better prices, reduce crop wastage and obtain financing […]
SBP Introduces Banking on Equality Policy 2026 to Strengthen Women’s Financial Inclusion
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has introduced the second edition of its Banking on Equality (BoE) Policy for 2026, reaffirming its commitment to improving women’s access to financial services and promoting gender equality in the banking sector. The policy aims to reduce the gender gap in financial inclusion to 25% by 2028 as part […]
Foreign Investors Seek FBR Reforms as Tax Certification Delays Stall Share Registration in Pakistan
Pakistan’s efforts to attract and retain foreign investment face another administrative challenge as overseas investors raise concerns over delays in obtaining tax exemption certificates from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). The delays are creating obstacles for the registration of foreign-held shares with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), even in cases where the relevant […]
Pakistan’s Economy Shows Resilience Despite Hormuz Energy Crisis
Pakistan’s economy appears to be weathering the latest regional energy crisis better than many might have expected. Despite the disruption to oil and gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and a sharp increase in fuel and transportation costs, economic activity in Pakistan is continuing to expand. According to the World Bank’s October 2026 economic […]
Government Plans Stronger Debt Management Office to Improve Borrowing Strategy
The federal government is taking steps to strengthen Pakistan’s Debt Management Office (DMO) by introducing a dedicated leadership structure aimed at improving the way public borrowing and debt risks are managed. Under the proposed arrangement, the Head of the DMO will play a central role in shaping the government’s borrowing strategy, managing financial risks and […]
Pakistan Sees Sharp Rise in Tax Return Filings as Non-Salaried Sector Drives Growth
Pakistan’s income tax filing base has expanded significantly, with the number of returns submitted to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) reaching nearly 5.77 million by September 30, 2026. The latest figures represent a rise of about 45 percent compared with the 3.98 million returns filed during the same period last year. The biggest contribution […]
SBP Extends Bank Working Hours for Tax and Duty Payments
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced extended banking hours to make it easier for taxpayers to pay their government duties and taxes before the end of the financial deadline. Under the new arrangement, commercial bank branches across the country will remain open until 10:00 PM on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. The decision was […]
Pakistan Tells IMF FBR Remains on Track to Meet Rs3.053 Trillion Quarterly Tax Target
Pakistan has assured the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is still on course to achieve its tax collection target of Rs3.053 trillion for the first quarter of the current fiscal year, despite falling short of its August revenue goal. According to officials familiar with the discussions, the FBR briefed […]
FBR Introduces Faceless Tax System to Transform Audits in Pakistan
Pakistan’s tax administration is set to undergo a significant digital transformation as the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) moves towards a new faceless system for tax audits and assessments. Under the new arrangement, the FBR has established a National Faceless Centre (NFC) in Islamabad, which will initially focus on reviewing tax-related information of hundreds of […]
Aasaan Tax Scheme Sees Limited Response from New Retail Taxpayers
Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is facing a slow response to its latest attempt to bring small retailers into the formal tax system. The Aasaan Tax Scheme has so far attracted only a limited number of completed tax returns, while the number of genuinely new taxpayers remains particularly low. According to the latest figures, […]
FBR Extends Filing Deadline for August Sales Tax and Federal Excise Returns
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced an extension in the deadline for taxpayers to file their sales tax and federal excise returns for the tax period of August 2026. Under the latest directive issued on September 18, taxpayers will now have until September 30, 2026, to submit their August returns. The relief has […]